Ed McMahon Dies At 86

Ed McMahon, the most famous sidekick in the history of television, has died at the age of 86.

Ed McMahon, the loyal Tonight Show sidekick who bolstered boss Johnny Carson with guffaws and a resounding “H-e-e-e-e-e-ere's Johnny” for 30 years, died early today at 86. Mr. McMahon died shortly after midnight at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center surrounded by his wife, Pam, and other family members, said his publicist, Howard Bragman. Mr. Bragman didn't give a cause of death, saying only that Mr. McMahon had a “multitude of health problems the last few months.” Mr. McMahon had bone cancer, among other illnesses, according to a person close to the entertainer, and he had been hospitalized for several weeks. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because he wasn't authorized to release the information.